How does Iago’s speech contrast with his previous dialogue?
Iago changes sides seamlessly. He tries to provoke Othello by suggesting that Roderigo has
slighted his manly honor, saying that he wanted to hurt him after hearing him speak in such
‘provoking terms against [his] honour’. But, at this point, Othello seems completely secure
in himself, immune to challenges to his manhood.
Iago calls Othello ‘Sir’- creates the false perception of respect and honour, but the audience
see great irony in this scene as it completely contrasts Iago’s previous dialogue.
Superficiality of Iago’s words.
Iago states that he lacks the ‘iniquity’ (immorality) to go through with taking a life. he is
saying that he wanted to defend Othello from Brabantio’s comments but that he could not
possibly kill someone- would go against his own moral compass.
He does however hint at his two-faced nature by swearing on the Roman God- Janus is a
God with two faces: ‘by Janus I think so.’
This conveys to the audience how he wishes to signal his loyalty, how he almost became
involved in a brawl to protect Othello’s dignity.
Othello speaks in a calm and measured blank verse. How does Shakespeare use language here to
subvert the audiences expectations based on the previous scene?
Iago and Othello seem total opposite, and he speaks differently to the crude and
disrespecting Iago in the previous scene. One also seems to resolve conflict while the other
revels in it.
Othello's first appearance on stage is as a man confident and in control of his life, calmly and
deftly putting Brabantio's anger aside.
Othello is very self-assured- when Iago tells him that Brabantio is angry he says ‘let him do
his spite’- suggests he is ready to face the consequence of his actions. When Brabantio
accuses him of evil enchantment Othello says it is not time for fight, and resolves the issue.
He knows that his honorable military service will outweigh Brabantio’s grievances. "Let him
do his spite. My services which I have done the Signiory Shall out-tongue his complaints".
He is brave, dignified and authoritative. His speech is carefully thought out and collected- he
seems in control of his emotions. By making Othello so different from the version of him
described by Iago, the audience begin to see the Moor as an honest man, while questioning
the truth in Iago’s claims.
Othello defends his love for Desdemona by simply stating: ‘I love the gentle Desdemona.’
He seems sincere, and Othello’s positive view of his relationship with Desdemona is in
conflict with the way it is perceived by others.
Previously been presented using derogatory phrases and racial terms. The audience is
expecting a character who is savage and full of rage based on the previous descriptions. His
manner is very different however, and subverts the expectations of the audience,
particularly the Early Modern audience.
Blank verse symbolic of high status in Shakespeare’s plays.
Othello rejects acting impulsively and approaches the situation in a calm manner.
Othello states that actions will speak louder than words- his past actions will speak louder
than any complaints Brabantio will make.
Opposite of Iago- he shows his true face to the world.
Iago changes sides seamlessly. He tries to provoke Othello by suggesting that Roderigo has
slighted his manly honor, saying that he wanted to hurt him after hearing him speak in such
‘provoking terms against [his] honour’. But, at this point, Othello seems completely secure
in himself, immune to challenges to his manhood.
Iago calls Othello ‘Sir’- creates the false perception of respect and honour, but the audience
see great irony in this scene as it completely contrasts Iago’s previous dialogue.
Superficiality of Iago’s words.
Iago states that he lacks the ‘iniquity’ (immorality) to go through with taking a life. he is
saying that he wanted to defend Othello from Brabantio’s comments but that he could not
possibly kill someone- would go against his own moral compass.
He does however hint at his two-faced nature by swearing on the Roman God- Janus is a
God with two faces: ‘by Janus I think so.’
This conveys to the audience how he wishes to signal his loyalty, how he almost became
involved in a brawl to protect Othello’s dignity.
Othello speaks in a calm and measured blank verse. How does Shakespeare use language here to
subvert the audiences expectations based on the previous scene?
Iago and Othello seem total opposite, and he speaks differently to the crude and
disrespecting Iago in the previous scene. One also seems to resolve conflict while the other
revels in it.
Othello's first appearance on stage is as a man confident and in control of his life, calmly and
deftly putting Brabantio's anger aside.
Othello is very self-assured- when Iago tells him that Brabantio is angry he says ‘let him do
his spite’- suggests he is ready to face the consequence of his actions. When Brabantio
accuses him of evil enchantment Othello says it is not time for fight, and resolves the issue.
He knows that his honorable military service will outweigh Brabantio’s grievances. "Let him
do his spite. My services which I have done the Signiory Shall out-tongue his complaints".
He is brave, dignified and authoritative. His speech is carefully thought out and collected- he
seems in control of his emotions. By making Othello so different from the version of him
described by Iago, the audience begin to see the Moor as an honest man, while questioning
the truth in Iago’s claims.
Othello defends his love for Desdemona by simply stating: ‘I love the gentle Desdemona.’
He seems sincere, and Othello’s positive view of his relationship with Desdemona is in
conflict with the way it is perceived by others.
Previously been presented using derogatory phrases and racial terms. The audience is
expecting a character who is savage and full of rage based on the previous descriptions. His
manner is very different however, and subverts the expectations of the audience,
particularly the Early Modern audience.
Blank verse symbolic of high status in Shakespeare’s plays.
Othello rejects acting impulsively and approaches the situation in a calm manner.
Othello states that actions will speak louder than words- his past actions will speak louder
than any complaints Brabantio will make.
Opposite of Iago- he shows his true face to the world.
